Okay since winter is here and I need a new project Ive decided to build a Landscape bed with dove tail,Ramp,Racks ect onto a F250 I recently purchased.
The truck is a 87 F250. The reason I purchased such a old truck was a few reasons. this truck has a completely rebuilt 4.9L 300 straight six. Ive owned trucks with this engine before they have plenty torque and get decent fuel mileage. It also has a rebuilt 4 speed and new clutch.In SC we have to pay personal property tax on vehicles which the older the vehicle the lower the tax.
The truck is tight and runs good. The cab will need painting and I will also paint it and the bed when finished putting the bed together.
I'm building the whole thing from scratch. Ive already in the last several yrs transformed 5 box trucks to dump trucks.This project will probably take a few months soooo if this thread interests you check back now and again.
I'll be picking up some metal tomorrow to get rolling here are a few pics of what i'm working with. I forgot to get a pick before removing the truck bed....

WOW nice to see older truck frames that have NO rust on them like they do up here in N.H. What part of S.C. are you? Parents just built a house in Myrtel Beach area and looking for a landscaper

XLS

10-07-2011, 09:04 PM

subscribed . cant wait to see this job rolling.
What size steel is in the pictures ? 6" x 1/4" thick

johnsonslawnmanagement

10-07-2011, 09:19 PM

Another subscribed
Posted via Mobile Device

flatlander42

10-07-2011, 10:14 PM

yup..........subbed here too!

DavidD

10-07-2011, 11:59 PM

WOW nice to see older truck frames that have NO rust on them like they do up here in N.H. What part of S.C. are you? Parents just built a house in Myrtel Beach area and looking for a landscaper

Im in the upstate Near greenville. About 4 hrs from the beach.

subscribed . cant wait to see this job rolling.
What size steel is in the pictures ? 6" x 1/4" thick

4" x 1/4" and 3" x 1/4" I need to keep the body light since it is only a 3/4 ton.
There is also some 1-1/2 x 1 1/2" tubing and a piece of 3/8" flat bar as well.
I'm thinking a 30 Deg angle for the dove tail but i'll mock it up with a wood 2x4
to check it. I only need 7 1/2" under the bed for wheel clearance the axle bottoms out at 7"

jsslawncare

10-08-2011, 07:43 AM

If's funny how we all want to see "us" build our own beds, me included. Does anyone kmow if the E-350 ambulance was finished? It was red and white I think.

DavidD

10-08-2011, 08:53 AM

http://www.lawnsite.com/showthread.php?t=351062&page=7
Yes and turned out very nice!

flatlander42

10-08-2011, 10:13 AM

If's funny how we all want to see "us" build our own beds, me included. Does anyone kmow if the E-350 ambulance was finished? It was red and white I think.

it's an e-450........i love it! link in my sig.

jsslawncare

10-08-2011, 12:11 PM

http://www.lawnsite.com/showthread.php?t=351062&page=7
Yes and turned out very nice!

The more I think about it and that the dove tail at a angle is kinda wasted space since it is a real pita to store anything on it at a angle. I think I'm going to build mine with a hydraulic cylinder and hinged to let it down when loading and unloading and raise it when traveling. Plus wont have to worry about it bottoming out on dips. Still thinking it thru.

Woodman1

10-12-2011, 06:27 AM

Subscribbed. Looks good!

ReddensLawnCare

10-13-2011, 08:44 AM

Subscribing. Im excited for you!

DavidD

10-13-2011, 09:29 PM

Well now the flatbed is all tacked together time for some serious welding then to fab up the dove tail. I found a power unit for the dovetail today but it has a bad solenoid valve soooo looking for another. Not sure how well a hydraulic dove tail is going to work but figured what the heck.